The staff of the North Platte-Lincoln County Visitors Bureau will recognize the contributions of area tourism partners by popping in and distributing gifts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We are using National Tourism Week as an opportunity to let these partners know just how much we appreciate them representing our community to the traveling public,” Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lisa Burke said.

According to the Nebraska Tourism Commission, direct travel spending in Lincoln County totals more than $81 million and generates 1,500 jobs with earnings of $19 million annually.

“Our tourism partners are vitally important to the economic well-being of Lincoln County,” Burke said. “Whether it’s the staff at one of our attractions or at the counter of a convenience store, each positive experience one of our visitors has with a friendly face can mean they’ll stay here longer and visit more places.”

Nationally, travel and tourism is one of America’s largest industries, generating $2 trillion in economic output, with $855.4 billion spent directly by domestic and international travelers, which spurs an additional $1.1 trillion in other industries, according to the visitor's bureau.

At current levels, each U.S. household would pay $1,060 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry.